Applying for a Spanish visa
People often contact me asking for help with applying for their Spanish visa. The first thing to note is that as a Notary Public I am not an immigration lawyer and I cannot advise you on the visa application process. If you are in doubt, speak with your University admissions team, employer or the organisation or person that you are liaising with in Spain.
The Spanish Visa Application Centre also has a dedicated website which you may find useful. In particular, under “Visa Type” in the menu bar, you can download a checklist which is specific to the type of visa you are applying for.
Do I need a Notary Public as part of this process?
In many cases you will not need a Notary Public to help you with your Spanish visa application. One exception however is if you are required to provide a Declaration of Financial Responsibility, in which a parent or guardian declares in front of a Notary Public that they will cover the costs of their child while they are in Spain. I am able to assist with such declarations, which usually also require an apostille in order to be accepted. Please contact me to discuss further.
Can you notarise my criminal record certificate?
In most cases you are advised to obtain an ACRO certificate rather than the DBS certificate you might be more familiar with. ACRO certificates are typically used for visa applications and include a photograph of you, together with an official’s signature. Check the requirements specified in the checklist provided by the Spanish Visa Application Centre.
An ACRO certificate can receive an apostille directly as it has been signed by a public official - it does not need a notary to authenticate it first. You can organise legalisation (obtaining an apostille) yourself here. Do bear in mind that the standard service can take several weeks and the premium service is only available to registered businesses. If you need an apostille more quickly, please contact me and I can help arrange this for you.
What about my birth certificate?
Again, as a government document which has been signed by a public official, this can receive an apostille directly as discussed above. Make sure that it is the longer form “certified copy of an entry” which includes the mother and father’s names, otherwise it may not be accepted.
Still not sure?
If you are still unsure whether you might need a Notary Public as part of this process, please do not hesitate to contact me for a free confidential discussion. If it turns out you do need a Notary Public, I am often able to meet clients at short notice in and around Chelmsford and the City of London in order to help you meet the necessary requirements.
Good luck with your visa application!
This article is not legal or immigration advice - it is provided for general information only.